Dhaka:The Home Minister and Chairman of the Special Committee on Constitutional Amendment, Salahuddin Ahmed, has extended an invitation to the opposition to participate in discussions concerning amendments to the Constitution. He emphasized that the proposals and opinions of the opposition would be taken into account if they joined the committee's discussions.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ahmed conveyed this message during a press briefing at the Jatiya Sangsad's Media Centre, following the committee's third meeting at the Parliament House's Cabinet Room. He reiterated that the government seeks a consensus-based approach to this important national task and aims to avoid divisions.
The meeting was attended by other committee members, including Chief Whip of Parliament Nurul Islam Moni and several state ministers. Editors and journalists also participated, providing their opinions and suggestions regarding constitutional amendments.
Ahmed stated that the committee is working hard to submit its report to Parliament by December, with the hope of introducing a constitutional amendment bill in the first parliamentary session of the following year. He noted that if necessary, a referendum would be held before the President¾¢s assent, as required by the Constitution for certain amendments.
The committee is considering various issues for potential inclusion in the Constitution, guided by public sentiment and the ruling BNP's election manifesto commitments, alongside the July National Charter. Ahmed also highlighted the importance of incorporating feedback from journalists and other stakeholders into the committee's work.